IDRILL Australia is for the people, by the people. The advice and information here is based on the experience and advice of all the people in the industry

Facebook page and offer their advice and experience with no strings attached. Just everyday Aussies helping each other out. Here you will find jobs, advice and information for people of all levels, trying to get into the mining industry.

Be aware of scammer websites that will try to sell you information, charging anything up to $250 and even offering to help get you a job in the industry, don’t fall for it, we have provided you with all the information you need right here for free and don’t pay $3000 or more for dump truck training, thinking this will get you a job, it won’t. Experience is the easiest way to break into the industry and if you haven’t got that, you need to look at other ways you can get in. Too many people want the quick and easy way in, for some people, that will work but for the majority of people it’s just not going to happen.. Look after your mates and stay safe out there.

I just got my first phone interview for the Dump Truck Traineeship, these were the questions i was asked:

“What made you apply for this job in particular ?”

Can you explain the most menial task at your current job and how you deal with it ?”

“What is some on the job training you have received and how did that help you within your workplace ?”

“Where do you see this traineeship taking you ?”

Assistant Sampler

Performing support functions on site, they may work on drill sites, participate in field geophysical surveys and sample during geochemical surveys.

Assistant Samplers perform support functions on site. They may work on drill sites, participate in field geophysical surveys and sample during geochemical surveys. Although Assistant Samplers are often required to spend long periods of time working in remote locations throughout Australia, the career path is very rewarding.

Duties

Order, check, pack and ship equipment and supplies for field surveys;

Manage small field camps, and in some cases cook for small groups;

Collect, record and transport samples of rock, soil and water;

Collate information collected from a range of samples and carry out computer processing of the data assist with all aspects of supporting personnel in the field; and

Uses of Blast Hole Drilling

Blast hole drilling is also used in the civil and construction industry and can be used to create flat pads prior to the building of structures, trenching areas for easy installation of pipes and services, blasting pathways through hilly terrain for railway lines, removing slots of earth for bridge footings and tunneling. For blast hole drilling to be successful several specifications have to be ensured these include the depth and spacing of the blast holes, the number of holes in the designated area and the formation of rock and soil. Drills range in size and are dependent on the project requirements. Correct drill and blast selections are crucial in ensuring the project is completed correctly and within the time allocated.

I am worried that I may be unable to answer my phone at the time that they ring. Do you know how this works? I have provided my mobile number as I do not want them calling my current workplace:

They normally call to plan a time with you.

If you don’t answer your mobile, they’ll leave you a number to call them on. Although these days, I get most of my preliminary contact via email with a date and time already decided and a request to call them if its not convenient.

All good employers should arrangea time, if not they should accept. Thank you very much for calling, I am extremely interested in the position and would love to do an interview, unfortunately at the moment I am working. Could I arrange a time to call you back or have you call me.

Drill Engineer

Also known as: Drill and Blast Engineer.

A Drilling Engineer develops, plans, costs, schedules and supervises the operations necessary in the process of drilling oil and gas wells. Drill Engineers are involved in all stages of the drilling lifecycle – from the initial well design and testing, to completion and abandonment. As a drill engineer you may find yourself employed on land or sea.

Notwithstanding the professional technical knowledge of this role, the Drill Engineer also may require a solid understanding of administering drilling and service contracts and the ability to manage and supervise the drilling crew. Furthermore, the Drill Engineer role requires the individual to be able to work with and seek assistance from other professionals, such as Geologists and Geoscientists.

Duties

- Responsible for effective design and implementation of well plans, provide drilling plans, conceptual design, detail design and work programs for prospective oil and gas wells;

Involved with the conceptual design and planning for conventional and complex wells;

Reverse Circulation RC

Driller

Also known as: Toolpusher.

Drillers help move drilling rigs and equipment from site to site, set up in the new site and connect power cables or hoses for water and air supply.

Drillers typically need to be interested in practical and manual activities, be physically fit and able to handle machinery. Often the work is in remote mining areas, under difficult conditions so teamwork is important. Drillers also need to record details accurately, as precision is crucial to the safety of the exploration. Find out more about the role duties and skills required for a driller below.

Duties

Help move drilling rigs and equipment from site to site, set up in the new site and connect power cables or hoses for water and air supply;

Help obtain drilling core samples;

Dig and clean mud pits and drains;

Mix and test drilling fluids, chemicals and grout;

Assist in slotting, welding and inserting casing screens;

Assist with well development and pumping tests;

Operate equipment, such as pumps for air, water and mud;

Use equipment and tools to correct problems in drilled holes caused by mechanical breakdowns or by harmful natural conditions;

Carry out minor maintenance and repairs, including lubrication and cleaning; and

Clean and maintain equipment, drill and camp sites.

Skills Required

Enjoy practical and manual activities;

Aptitude for mechanics and able to handle machinery;

Physically fit;

Able to work as part of a team;

Willing to work in remote areas under difficult conditions;

Good organisation skills;

Able to record details accurately;

Clean police record;

Be 18 years old (as it is a legal requirement on most mine and quarry sites);

Geologist

Your skills involve planning and implementing resource development modelling and analysis of ore bodies for future development of mining operations.

Geologists study the nature, composition and structure of the earth to increase scientific knowledge. They locate materials and minerals, and advise on the extraction of minerals, environmental protection and rehabilitation of land after mining.

Duties

Explore specific areas of the earth to work out its structure and the types of rocks or minerals that exist;

Study rock cores, cuttings and samples;

Study geostatistics and sampling theory;

Study fossilised life forms and date rock strata;

Study the nature and effects of natural events such as erosion, sedimentation, glaciation, earthquakes and volcanic hazards;

Locate and manage ground water resources, investigate ground water contamination and land salinity;